Union Budget 2026: FM pushes AYUSH, Ayurveda; Jamnagar's WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine to get a boost

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her ninth Budget speech on Sunday, announced multiple proposals for reforms in the health sector. She said the government plans to upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, strengthening India’s traditional and global healthcare infrastructure.

“To upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs for higher standards and make available more skilled personnel. Three, upgrade the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar,” the FM said.

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FM Sitharaman also proposed a scheme to establish five regional medical hubs as integrated healthcare complexes combining AYUSH centres with diagnostic and post-treatment facilities, creating a wide range of employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.

What is the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre?

The WHO GTMC serves as a knowledge centre for traditional medicine.

As part of WHO’s overall traditional medicine strategy, the centre has a strategic focus on evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity, and innovation and technology to optimise the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development. Respect for local heritage, resources, and rights is also a guiding principle for the medical centres, according to the WHO's website.

Focus on Ayurveda

Sitharaman announced the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIA) to meet the global demand for Ayurvedic medicine.

She said that Ayurveda has gained global acceptance since COVID-19.

She said, "Ancient Indian Yoga, already respected in all parts of the world, was given a mass global recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to the UN. Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurveda products helps farmers to grow the herbs and those who process the products. To meet growing global demand, a few more steps are being taken. I propose three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda."

AIIA in New Delhi was formally established in October 2015 under the Ministry of AYUSH. It serves as a Centre of Excellence for Ayurveda tertiary health care, research, and education.